As an entrepreneur, you likely dedicate long hours to your work. But this commitment often comes at the cost of a well-rounded life. That’s why having a hobby can be so beneficial to entrepreneurs. Whether it’s an activity you do solo or with family and friends, follow the lead of many top entrepreneurs and discover a new interest. Here are some of the great hobbies entrepreneurs can enjoy.
1. Competing in Physical Challenges
Whether it’s a Tough Mudder or an endurance event, a goal-oriented physical activity is good for the mind, body, and soul. It allows you to meet other like-minded people and measure where your hard work has gotten you. Some events combine several activities that keep all areas of the body strong and healthy.
If you take up this hobby, you can train regularly to meet specific goals, giving you a great sense of accomplishment. This is especially beneficial if you’re constantly sitting at a desk while running your business.
2. Gaming
There are some seriously cool games out there today, and they aren’t just for kids. Not to say that you couldn’t play with your kids as a means of quality time! There are a plethora of games available, including games that provide life lessons, or encourage you to practice critical thinking. It’s a relaxing hobby that may be beneficial if your career is stressful.
Gaming is not only fun, but it can be a profitable hobby. While entrepreneurs shouldn’t seek to make a profit from their hobbies at first, it can be something they pursue if they feel they need to branch out.
3. Yoga
Yoga has been proven to provide both physical and mental benefits. It can increase your flexibility and help ease aches and pains from sitting at a desk all day. Simultaneously, it may expand your mind and help you to find peace.
There are many different yoga variations to choose from. You can take part in classes online or at a yoga studio in your area. There are also retreats you can attend for a weekend or longer. Yoga provides a way for you to meet other people and get in touch with your spiritual side, allowing you to turn off the entrepreneur mind for a while. This hobby can enhance your business in many ways as you gain more mental clarity.
4. Running
Running is a hobby you can do with others or on your own. You can listen to your favorite podcast as you pound cement. It’s a great way to mentally check out and get your endorphins pumping. It will benefit your cardiovascular system and allow you to think better thanks to more oxygen circulating in the body. Running allows you to quickly de-stress and keeps you in great shape.
5. Travel
What better way to embrace your success than to travel? By getting on a plane and going to a new place, you gain a new perspective. This perspective can inspire new ideas for your business. It also rejuvenates you and keeps you going during times when you have to work hard. Exploring the world keeps entrepreneurs fulfilled and motivated.
6. DIY Projects
A list of hobbies would be incomplete without including home projects. You could build a ship in a bottle or complete a major project, like building a deck. You might want to redecorate your home. Any DIY project gives you a creative outlet, which is important if your analytical mind is always working. You will also have something to show for your work, giving you a sense of accomplishment.
7. Learning to Play an Instrument
Another way to get in touch with your creative side is to learn how to play an instrument. You can learn online or take personalized weekly music lessons. When you practice every day, you’ll find that you get better at making the melody and keeping the rhythm.
8. Gardening
Gardening is a peaceful pastime that you may appreciate if your work life is hectic. As you nurture your garden, you will receive a harvest in return. Gardeners have a rightful sense of pride in the results of their work. There’s also something about getting your hands dirty and spending all that time outside.
9. Tennis, Racquetball, Pickleball
Playing competitive racquet games is a great way to release your stress and aggression. You’ll stay fit and give your mind a break by focusing on the object of smashing the ball. It’s a great way to network as well.
10. Rock Climbing
Nowadays, you don’t have to live near a climbable mountain to enjoy the mental and physical benefits of climbing. There are indoor climbing walls in most cities around the world. Climbing allows you to micro-focus on one thing at a time. It’s almost a form of meditation and is really good for your whole body. Find a climbing buddy and enjoy this challenging pastime.
Bonus: Arts and Crafts
As an entrepreneur, you often need to solve problems in an analytic manner. However, you also need to utilize your creative mind in a way outside of business. Creating pieces of art for yourself or friends and family is a great way to do this. When you engage in creating art, you are tapping into the creative side of your mind while also helping you cope with stressful situations.
In a 2014 study entitled How Art Changes Your Brain: Differential Effects of Visual Art Production and Cognitive Art Evaluation on Functional Brain Connectivity, researchers found that people who spent time creating visual art showed increased connectivity in their brains during MRI scans, and demonstrated improvements in “psychological resilience”. Psychological resilience is a term describing a person’s ability to cope with negative emotions and remain happy and functional during stressful life conditions.
While you may want to take on a hobby that helps you with your business, it’s a good idea to adopt something that’s just for you. Step away from your business altogether and just enjoy your hobby. This can help you find clarity and de-stress. When you get back to working, you’ll have a refreshed sense of self.
Pingback: Should You Turn Your Hobby into a Business? 6 Things to Consider - StartUp Mindset
Pingback: Could This Training Report Be The Definitive Answer To Injecting Your Startup Venture With New Life? ·
Pingback: 10 Great Hobbies for Entrepreneurs – Joseph O'Dierno Buffalo